Pietersen aims to finish on a high

Kevin Pietersen is hoping to end a difficult year on a "special" note for himself and England when he plays Test cricket for the first time on what was once his home ground.

Pietersen began 2009 by losing the England captaincy, endured four months out after an Achilles operation - while the Ashes were being regained - and has only just battled back to his true form, and a Boxing Day return to Kingsmead may come at just the right time for the Pietermaritzburg-born batsman.

"It's not all about me playing in Durban; it's about the team coming here and doing special things," he insists. "We want to do special things here. We fought off a hungry South Africa attack in the first Test and hope we can do some good things this week."

He added: "You could say 2009 hasn't been the most fantastic time - but I'm still playing cricket for England.

"We all love playing for England and are very privileged. It's true 2009 hasn't been fun. But hey-ho - life isn't always good."

It is just under 12 months ago that Pietersen and former England coach Peter Moores' inability to work together led to them both losing their posts.

Pietersen, however, has proved a willing assistant to new captain Andrew Strauss - and it would be fitting indeed if he could close the calendar with a star contribution back at the ground where he grew up watching cricket and then began his professional career.

"My family are all here, and it's something that is special," he said. "Playing for England in South Africa is something I love and enjoy."